TAKING IT CAPTIVE

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (KJV) For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4  (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

When a person commits a crime, the law goes after them to bring them into captivity.  In these verses, this is what Paul is saying to us.  We have to cast down imaginations that do not line up with the Word of God, and take every thought captive.  We need to keep getting to a place in our lives where we think God’s thoughts, and not the thoughts of the secular news.

“Oh Pastor,” you might say, “that is a tall order,” and you know what, it is!  But I have found that if I spend a good portion of my day listening to the news and checking every website to see what is going on, it brings no edification whatsoever.  However, if I think God’s thoughts, and make a conscience decision to let His Word stay in my life, it lifts me up and helps me throughout the day.

Paul states here that though we walk in the flesh, our battle is not with people, but with ourselves.  We do not like to hear that, but it is the truth.  Most of my battles are in my mind, and if I am just putting more junk in there, how am I ever going to win this battle and be victorious in life?

So today, take those thoughts captive that have been pulling you down.  Put them in jail, and do not give them a “Get Out of Jail Free Card.”  Bind them up, hold them down, and let God’s Word fill your mind and heart in Christ Jesus!

Confession:  Today, I am taking control of my thoughts.  This is my mind, and I do not have to fill it with trash.  I can fill it with the good Word of God, and with things that build me up.  Today, I am taking the trash out, and bringing good stuff in!

Today’s Bible Reading

Ezekiel 14:12 – 16:41

Hebrews 7:18-28

Psalms 106:1-12

Proverbs 27:4-6

Bible in a Year: 365-Day Reading Plan : English | King James Version (KJV)

The Greatest Pains

“As many as I love I rebuke and chasten” (Rev. 3:19).

God takes the most eminent and choicest of His servants for the choicest and most eminent afflictions. They who have received most grace from God are able to bear most afflictions from God. Affliction does not hit the saint by chance, but by direction. God does not draw His bow at a venture. Every one of His arrows goes upon a special errand and touches no breast but his against whom it is sent. It is not only the grace, but the glory of a believer when we can stand and take affliction quietly. –Joseph Caryl

If all my days were sunny, could I say,
“In His fair land He wipes all tears away”?

If I were never weary, could I keep
Close to my heart, “He gives His loved ones sleep”?
Were no graves mine, might I not come to deem
The Life Eternal but a baseless dream?

My winter, and my tears, and weariness,
Even my graves, may be His way to bless.

I call them ills; yet that can surely be Nothing but love that shows my Lord to me! –Selected

“The most deeply taught Christians are generally those who have been brought into the searching fires of deep soul-anguish. If you have been praying to know more of Christ, do not be surprised if He takes you aside into a desert place, or leads you into a furnace of pain.”

Do not punish me, Lord, by taking my cross from me, but comfort me by submitting me to Thy will, and by making me to love the cross. Give me that by which Thou shalt be best served . . . and let me hold it for the greatest of all Thy mercies, that Thou shouldst glorify Thy name in me, according to Thy will. –A Captive’s Prayer

His Billows

“All thy waves and thy billows are gone over me”

(Ps. 42:7).

They are HIS billows, whether they go o’er us,
Hiding His face in smothering spray and foam;
Or smooth and sparkling, spread a path before us,
And to our haven bear us safely home.

They are HIS billows, whether for our succor
He walks across them, stilling all our fear;
Or to our cry there comes no aid nor answer,
And in the lonely silence none is near.

They are HIS billows, whether we are toiling
Through tempest-driven waves that never cease,
While deep to deep with clamor loud is calling;
Or at His word they hush themselves in peace.

They are HIS billows, whether He divides them,
Making us walk dryshod where seas had flowed;
Or lets tumultuous breakers surge about us,
Rushing unchecked across our only road.

They are HIS billows, and He brings us through them;
So He has promised, so His love will do.
Keeping and leading, guiding and upholding,
To His sure harbor, He will bring us through.
–Annie Johnson Flint

Stand up in the place where the dear Lord has put you, and there do your best. God gives us trial tests. He puts life before us as an antagonist face to face. Out of the buffeting of a serious conflict we are expected to grow strong. The tree that grows where tempests toss its boughs and bend its trunk often almost to breaking, is often more firmly rooted than the tree than the tree which grows in the sequestered valley where no storm ever brings stress or strain. The same is true of life. The grandest character is grown in hardship. –Selected

THINK ON THESE THINGS

Philippians 4:8 (KJV) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Sometimes we catch ourselves wondering what we should think about.  It seems like our minds can go off in so many directions.  The Bible tells us what to think about, and we find it in this verse.  I have found that our minds seem to want to go to the negative, so when we see here the different things to think on, it helps us to correct our “stinking thinking.”

The Apostle Paul, by the Holy Spirit, says that we should think on things that are TRUE, HONEST, JUST, PURE, LOVELY, OF GOOD REPORT, VIRTUOUS, AND FULL OF PRAISE.  Now, for many of us, this will take an adjustment, but the Bible would never tell us to do something unless God has put within us the ability to do it.  It does take effort, but the rewards are so great.  Instead of being down and out, you will have joy and peace.

Making decisions in our lives to do it God’s way, and not ours, can really bring us from the lows to the highs in our lives.   Many wonder why they are down, or seem to be so bummed.  I would venture to say that many times it is what we are thinking about.  We have to make a decision to look at bad thoughts, or even just down thoughts, like garbage.  I do not know about you, but when there is garbage in the house, I take it out.

So today, if you have garbage thoughts, go ahead and take them out, and fill your house (your mind) with the thoughts found here.  Think thoughts that are TRUE, HONEST, JUST, PURE, LOVELY, OF GOOD REPORT, VIRTUOUS, AND FULL OF PRAISE!

Confession:  Today, I am taking the garbage out.  I am taking out the negative thoughts, and filling my mind with God’s Word.  His Word is spirit and life, and that is exactly what I need; His life!

Today’s Bible Reading

Ezekiel 12 – 14:11

Hebrews 7:1-17

Psalms 105:37-45

Proverbs 27:3 

Bible in a Year: 365-Day Reading Plan : English | King James Version (KJV)

ONE THING

Philippians 3:13-14 (NKJV) Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

What is the one thing that we need to do in our lives?  What is the most important decision that we can make?  These verses tell us what it is.  It is a decision that will last throughout all eternity.  We need to set ourselves to go after one thing, and that one thing is Jesus!

This world can offer us so much, but here the Apostle Paul says that all that he did in the past is nothing.   What is really important is to press to the goal of our call in Jesus.

When we think of this, it is so true!  I can gain the whole world (I can gain the wealth, the power, and the fame) but it is all going to pass away.  If I gain Christ in this world, He will last me for all eternity!

I remember when Diane and I were dating, we went to a meeting and the minister said, “I am not looking to get my name put up on a billboard like you see on Broadway.  Instead, like the Apostle Paul, I want my name in the spirit realm where demons tremble.”  We should want our names in the most special place, and that is in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

So today, I challenge you with this: What is the one thing that is the most important thing in your life?  If it is not Jesus, then everything else is worthless.  But if you put Jesus as the main thing, then everything else that you do in life will be blessed.

Confession: Today, I choose the one thing that is the most important thing, and that is Jesus.   As I choose Him, He helps me to succeed in all that I do in life.  Jesus is the prize of my life!

Today’s Bible Reading

Ezekiel 10 – 11

Hebrews 6

Psalms 105:16-36

Proverbs 27:1-2

Bible in a Year: 365-Day Reading Plan : English | King James Version (KJV)

The Power of Silence

“Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10).

Is there any note of music in all the chorus as mighty as the emphatic pause? Is there any word in all the Psalter more eloquent than that one word, Selah (Pause)? Is there anything more thrilling and awful than the hush that comes before the bursting of the tempest and the strange quiet that seems to fall upon all nature before some preternatural phenomenon or convulsion? Is there anything that can touch our hearts as the power of stillness?

There is for the heart that will cease from itself, “the peace of God that passeth all understanding,” a “quietness and confidence” which is the source of all strength, a sweet peace “which nothing can offend,” a deep rest which the world can neither give nor take away. There is in the deepest center of the soul a chamber of peace where God dwells, and where, if we will only enter in and hush every other sound, we can hear His still, small voice.

There is in the swiftest wheel that revolves upon its axis a place in the very center, where there is no movement at all; and so in the busiest life there may be a place where we dwell alone with God, in eternal stillness, There is only one way to know God. “Be still, and know.” “God is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him.” –Selected

“All-loving Father, sometimes we have walked under starless skies that dripped darkness like drenching rain. We despaired of starshine or moonlight or sunrise. The sullen blackness gloomed above us as if it would last forever. And out of the dark there spoke no soothing voice to mend our broken hearts. We would gladly have welcomed some wild thunder peal to break the torturing stillness of that over-brooding night.

“But Thy winsome whisper of eternal love spoke more sweetly to our bruised and bleeding souls than any winds that breathe across Aeolian harps. It was Thy ‘still small voice’ that spoke to us. We were listening and we heard. We looked and saw Thy face radiant with the light of love. And when we heard Thy voice and saw Thy face, new life came back to us as life comes back to withered blooms that drink the summer rain.”

Discovering God’s Graces

“Show me wherefore thou contendest with me” (Job 10:2).

Perhaps, O tried soul, the Lord is doing this to develop thy graces. There are some of thy graces which would never have been discovered if it were not for the trials. Dost thou not know that thy faith never looks so grand in summer weather as it does in winter? Love is too oft like a glowworm, showing but little light except it be in the midst of surrounding darkness. Hope itself is like a star–not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, and only to be discovered in the night of adversity. Afflictions are often the black folds in which God doth set the jewels of His children’s graces, to make them shine the better.

It was but a little while ago that, on thy knees, thou wast saying, “Lord, I fear I have no faith: let me know that I have faith.”

Was not this really, though perhaps unconsciously, praying for trials?–for how canst thou know that thou hast faith until thy faith is exercised? Depend upon it. God often sends us trials that our graces may be discovered, and that we may be certified of their existence. Besides, it is not merely discovery; real growth in grace is the result of sanctified trials.

God trains His soldiers, not in tents of ease and luxury, but by turning them out and using them to forced marches and hard service. He makes them ford through streams, and swim through rivers and climb mountains, and walk many a weary mile with heavy knapsacks on their backs. Well, Christian, may not this account for the troubles through which you are passing? Is not this the reason why He is contending with you? –C. H. Spurgeon

To be left unmolested by Satan is no evidence of blessing.

GOOD NEWS

Romans 1:16-17 (NLT) For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes–the Jew first and also the Gentile. 17 This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”

What Good News God our Father has given us, that through the cross of Jesus Christ, all those that have accepted this amazing gift are made right with Him!  When I think of the fact that at one time I was totally separated from God with no hope, and without any chance of getting to Him, I am amazed!

Now, by what Jesus did on the cross of Calvary, I am forgiven, restored, and set in His family.  I like the way the second part of this verse states this: “This is accomplished from start to finish by faith.”  I now have to accept what Christ has done, not by how I feel about it, but by what His Word states as truth.  God’s Word, the Bible, is a legal document, and if He says that He has set me right, then I am set right.

What freedom this gives me, to know that because of what Jesus did on the cross, I am in right standing with God!  Too many believe this will happen when we get to heaven, and thank God we will have it in heaven.  But these verses say the Good News is that we have it now, in full!

I will not be any more righteous than I am the moment that I ask Jesus to come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior.  He, at that moment, made me the righteousness of God in Himself.  Let me tell you, that is Good News!

So today, no matter what your mind tries to tell you, say, “I am justified in God’s sight, not because of what I have done, but because of all that my beloved Jesus has done for me.”  This is truly Good News!

Confession:  I declare, today, that I have been made right with God through the Good News of the Gospel.  I have been set in this great position, not by my accomplishments, but through what Jesus has done on the cross!

Today’s Bible Reading

Ezekiel 7 – 9

Hebrews 5

Psalms 105:1-15

Proverbs 26:28

Bible in a Year: 365-Day Reading Plan : English | King James Version (KJV)

LET’S GROW UP

1 Peter 2:2-3 (NKJV) …as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

Each of us, when we come into the kingdom of heaven, is what the Bible calls: “born again.”  So, just as a baby is born into this world and has to grow up, we, when we are born again, have to grow up.

This verse makes it pretty clear how we are to grow up in God: We need to desire the milk of God’s Word, get hungry for the Word of God, make it our delight, mediate on it, chew on it, drink deeply of it, and as we do these things, we will see that we will grow.  I have watched in my own life that as I stay hungry for the Word, and the things of God, I grow!

I believe, just like in the natural, that we have to grow from a baby, to a toddler, to a child, to a teenager, and then to an adult.  That is also how we grow up as Christians.  We do not become a mature Christian overnight; it happens in steps.  Too many times, people try to rush this, and they become freaks.

So take it one day at a time.  I like how it says it in Isaiah 28:10: “For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little.”  Grow a little today.  Read a little, listen to a teaching, get faithful in your church, and you will see, after a while, a good solid growth.

Do not get discouraged and say, “It seems like I am not growing.”  It might have taken you a while to learn how to tie your shoes, but once you did, no one had to teach you that again.  So go ahead and enjoy the ride of growth.  You only get to do this once!

Confession:  I am growing today, as I read this devotional and eat of His Word.  God’s Word in me is like milk and meat, and I am enjoying this meal every day.  God’s Word is good!

Today’s Bible Reading

Ezekiel 3:16 – Ezekiel 6

Hebrews 4

Psalms 104:24-35

Proverbs 26:27

Bible in a Year: 365-Day Reading Plan : English | King James Version (KJV)

God Knows

“He knoweth the way that I take” (Job 23:10).

Believer! What a glorious assurance! This way of thine–this, it may be, a crooked, mysterious, tangled way–this way of trial and tears. “He knoweth it.” The furnace seven times heated–He lighted it. There is an Almighty Guide knowing and directing our footsteps, whether it be to the bitter Marah pool, or to the joy and refreshment of Elim.

That way, dark to the Egyptians, has its pillar of cloud and fire for His own Israel. The furnace is hot; but not only can we trust the hand that kindles it, but we have the assurance that the fires are lighted not to consume, but to refine; and that when the refining process is completed (no sooner–no later) He brings His people forth as gold.

When they think Him least near, He is often nearest. “When my spirit was overwhelmed, then thou knewest my path.”

Do we know of ONE brighter than the brightest radiance of the visible sun, visiting our chamber with the first waking beam of the morning; an eye of infinite tenderness and compassion following us throughout the day, knowing the way that we take?

The world, in its cold vocabulary in the hour of adversity, speaks of “Providence”–“the will of Providence”–“the strokes of Providence.” PROVIDENCE! what is that?

Why dethrone a living, directing God from the sovereignty of His own earth? Why substitute an inanimate, death-like abstraction, in place of an acting, controlling, personal Jehovah?

How it would take the sting from many a goading trial, to see what Job saw (in his hour of aggravated woe, when every earthly hope lay prostrate at his feet)–no hand but the Divine. He saw that hand behind the gleaming swords of the Sabeans–he saw it behind the lightning flash–he saw it giving wings to the careening tempest–he saw it in the awful silence of his rifled home.

“The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord!”

Thus seeing God in everything, his faith reached its climax when this once powerful prince of the desert, seated on his bed of ashes, could say, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust him.” –Macduff

My Father’s Giving

“Prove me now” (Mal. 3:10).

What is God saying here but this: “My child, I still have windows in Heaven. They are yet in service. The bolts slide as easily as of old. The hinges have not grown rusty. I would rather fling them open, and pour forth, than keep them shut, and hold back. I opened them for Moses, and the sea parted. I opened them for Joshua, and Jordan rolled back. I opened them for Gideon, and hosts fled. I will open them for you–if you will only let Me. On this side of the windows, Heaven is the same rich storehouse as of old. The fountains and streams still overflow. The treasure rooms are still bursting with gifts. The lack is not on my side. It is on yours. I am waiting. Prove Me now. Fulfill the conditions, on your part. Bring in the tithes. Give Me a chance. –Selected

I can never forget my mother’s very brief paraphrase of Malachi 3:10. The verse begins, “Bring ye the whole tithe in,” and it ends up with “I will pour” the blessing out till you’ll be embarrassed for space. Her paraphrase was this: Give all He asks; take all He promises.” –S. D. Gordon

The ability of God is beyond our prayers, beyond our largest prayers! I have been thinking of some of the petitions that have entered into my supplication innumerable times. What have I asked for? I have asked for a cupful, and the ocean remains! I have asked for a sunbeam, and the sun abides! My best asking falls immeasurably short of my Father’s giving: it is beyond that we can ask. –J. H. Jowett

“All the rivers of Thy grace I claim, Over every promise write my name” (Eph. 1:8-19).

STOP THE FLOW

Proverbs 17:14 (AMPC) The beginning of strife is as when water first trickles [from a crack in a dam]; therefore stop contention before it becomes worse and quarreling breaks out.

Oh, how true this is!  We all know it.  When we say, “Man, I wish that never came out of my mouth,” but it is too late.  We just had to give him or her a piece of our mind.  We let it flow, and then it was like a crack in a dam, and we cannot get it back.

This verse is talking about more than just what we say, but it does seem like what we say causes a lot of issues.  James says it like this in James 3:6: “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.”

We let things out of our mouths that cause explosions, and then we say, “What caused that?”  Well, here it says that it is our tongue.  Let us watch what comes out of our mouths.  Let us be people that close cracks, and not ones that make the cracks bigger.  Jesus said that it is the peacemakers that are blessed; the ones that will walk the extra mile, or turn the other cheek.  That is the kind of person I want to be.  How about you?

Another good scripture for watching what comes out of our mouth is in Proverbs 21:23.  The Complete Jewish Bible says it like this: “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”

Let us make a decision today to slow down the flow of strife, and let peace rule our lives and our mouths.  Let us strive to be ones that bring peace and love to situations.  It is all up to us.  What we will do with it is in our hand, or should I say, our mouth.  Today is a new day!  Let us make it a good day!

Confession:  I am making a decision, today, to walk in love, to stop the strife, and to let peace rule in my heart.  I am going to share that goodness with others.  Today, I choose to be the peacemaker and the peace-giver.

Today’s Bible Reading

Ezekiel 1 – 3:15

Hebrews 3

Psalms 104:1-23

Proverbs 26:24-26

Bible in a Year: 365-Day Reading Plan : English | King James Version (KJV)

Be Sure of His Promises

“Do as thou hast said, that thy name may be magnified forever” (1 Chron. 17:23-24).

This is a most blessed phase of true prayer. Many a time we ask for things which are not absolutely promised. We are not sure therefore until we have persevered for some time whether our petitions are in the line of God’s purpose or no. There are other occasions, and in the life of David this was one, when we are fully persuaded that what we ask is according to God’s will. We feel led to take up and plead some promise from the page of Scripture, under the special impression that it contains a message for us. At such times, in confident faith, we say, “Do as Thou hast said.” There is hardly any position more utterly beautiful, strong, or safe, than to put the finger upon some promise of the Divine word, and claim it. There need be no anguish, or struggle, or wrestling; we simply present the check and ask for cash, produce the promise, and claim its fulfillment; nor can there be any doubt as to the issue. It would give much interest to prayer, if we were more definite. It is far better to claim a few things specifically than a score vaguely. –F. B. Meyer

Every promise of Scripture is a writing of God, which may be pleaded before Him with this reasonable request: “Do as Thou hast said.” The Creator will not cheat His creature who depends upon His truth; and far more, the Heavenly Father will not break His word to His own child.

“Remember the word unto thy servant, on which thou hast caused me to hope,” is most prevalent pleading. It is a double argument: it is Thy Word. Wilt Thou not keep it? Why hast thou spoken of it, if Thou wilt not make it good. Thou hast caused me to hope in it, wilt Thou disappoint the hope which Thou has Thyself begotten in me? –C. H. Spurgeon

“Being absolutely certain that whatever promise he is bound by, he is able also to make good” (Rom. 4:21, Weymouth’s Translation).

It is the everlasting faithfulness of God that makes a Bible promise “exceeding great and precious.” Human promises are often worthless. Many a broken promise has left a broken heart. But since the world was made, God has never broken a single promise made to one of His trusting children.

Oh, it is sad for a poor Christian to stand at the door of the promise, in the dark night of affliction, afraid to draw the latch, whereas he should then come boldly for shelter as a child into his father’s house. –Gurnal

Every promise is built upon four pillars: God’s justice and holiness, which will not suffer Him to deceive; His grace or goodness, which will not suffer Him to forget; His truth, which will not suffer Him to change, which makes Him able to accomplish. –Selected

GOD’S EYES

2 Chronicles 16:9a (NKJV) “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.”

God has eyes?  Well, according to this verse, He does.  What does He do with them?   He looks.  What does He look for?  Is He looking for me to make a mistake?  No, He looks for those who love Him, and whose heart is towards Him.  He looks for those He can pour out His blessings on.

Our Heavenly Father is a good God Who loves us and wants to bless us.  However, He can only do this when our hearts are right.  If our hearts are full of pride, fear, and hurt, it is hard for God to pour out His blessings.  Someone who is keeping his heart right before Him, or as this verse says, “…whose heart is loyal to Him,” He can bless abundantly. 

That is the kind of heart I want and I endeavor to have.  How about you?  Make the decision today to have a pure heart, because Jesus said in Matthew 5:8: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

Do you want God to see you, and do you want to see God?  Then keep a right heart.  When you mess up, ‘fess up!  Do not let it sit there for days, and weeks, and months.  Make a decision to keep your life pure before your Father who loves you and is looking out for you.  Never let pride, or hurts, hold you back.  Look deep within today.  Talk to God, and let Him know when it hurts or when it is difficult.  He knows, yet Jesus said to ask Him and talk to Him.  So no matter what is going on today, or what someone has done to you today, LET IT GO AND LET GOD!

Confession: Today I look within.  I look at my heart, and I am going to be truthful.  I am not going to cover it up and say, “Well, that is just me.”  No, I want a heart that God, my Father, can bless.  So today, I start a new a day, in a new way!

Today’s Bible Reading

Lamentations 4 – 5

Hebrews 2

Psalms 103

Proverbs 26:23

Bible in a Year: 365-Day Reading Plan : English | King James Version (KJV)

When We Are Ready

“Blessed are all they that wait for him” (Isa 30:18).

We hear a great deal about waiting on God. There is, however, another side. When we wait on God, He is waiting till we are ready; when we wait for God, we are waiting till He is ready.

There are some people who say, and many more who believe, that as soon as we meet all the conditions, God will answer our prayers. They say that God lives in an eternal now; with Him there is no past nor future; and that if we could fulfill all that He requires in the way of obedience to His will, immediately our needs would be supplied, our desires fulfilled, our prayers answered.

There is much truth in this belief, and yet it expresses only one side of the truth. While God lives in an eternal now, yet He works out His purposes in time. A petition presented before God is like a seed dropped in the ground. Forces above and beyond our control must work upon it, till the true fruition of the answer is given.–The Still Small Voice
I longed to walk along an easy road,
And leave behind the dull routine of home,
Thinking in other fields to serve my God;
But Jesus said, “My time has not yet come.”

I longed to sow the seed in other soil,
To be unfettered in the work, and free,
To join with other laborers in their toil;
But Jesus said, “‘Tis not My choice for thee.”

I longed to leave the desert, and be led
To work where souls were sunk in sin and shame,
That I might win them; but the Master said,
“I have not called thee, publish here My name.”

I longed to fight the battles of my King,
Lift high His standards in the thickest strife;
But my great Captain bade me wait and sing
Songs of His conquests in my quiet life.

I longed to leave the uncongenial sphere,
Where all alone I seemed to stand and wait,
To feel I had some human helper near,
But Jesus bade me guard one lonely gate.

I longed to leave the round of daily toil,
Where no one seemed to understand or care;
But Jesus said, “I choose for thee this soil,
That thou might’st raise for Me some blossoms rare.”

And now I have no longing but to do
At home, or else afar, His blessed will,
To work amid the many or the few;
Thus, “choosing not to choose,” my heart is still.
–Selected